Bergh Apton Conservation Trust

Bergh Apton Conservation Trust was set up in 1994 to conserve the biodiversity and natural environment in Bergh Apton.

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

Join us on a walk to Welbeck Marsh, Bergh Apton!

#naturereserve #conservation #southnorfolk #wildlife #nature #berghapton #berghaptonconservationtrust #bact #biodiversity #naturerecovery #environment #norfolkwildlife

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

As this year draws to a close, we record both our highest membership ever (109) and our sincere thanks to everyone for their work and support. We wish you all a Happy New Year and look forward continued fellowship in 2024.

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

A very Merry Christmas to all our members and supporters. Many of you enjoyed our bring-and-share Christmas party last week, kindly hosted again by Lorie Lain-Rogers.

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

This was closely followed by our successful experiment with conservation grazing: the result of a loan of five handsome Belted Galloway cows coupled with an unexpected, generous grant that allowed us to buy hi-tech ‘No-fence’ collars.

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

Wendling Beck Exemplar Project - a talk by Glenn Anderson, hosted by the South Yare Wildlife Group

Thursday 25 November, 7.30pm
Claxton Village Hall

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

The full list will be available in a few weeks. In the meantime, here are pictures of the Clustered Bonnet and the Dog Stinkhorn (well past its stinkiest).

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

Some 50 members, guests and visitors turned out for the annual Fungus Foray yesterday – a record. Tony Leech was on great form, dispensing identifications, anecdotes and a great deal of fascinating background information on fungi.

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

Recent rain had ensured that it was a good year for fungi and a great many were recorded, not least because of the enthusiastic searching of eagle-eyed children.

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

@frogsatuea No - the Cricket-bat willows were a commercial crop of a hybrid species. We now aspire to a more natural type of vegetation, which will also suck less water from the marsh.

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

We are delighted to say that the felling and extraction of our plantation of Cricket-bat Willows by English Willow is now complete, and the contractors have moved out. We thank our neighbours for their forbearance over a difficult operation.

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

Excitement mounts as our rescheduled Fungus Foray with Dr Tony Leech approaches. Fungi will have loved the recent wet weather.

Meet at Church Field, Bergh Apton, at 1.30 pm on Sunday 29 October. All members and visitors welcome.

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

Wet conditions following the recent heavy rain suited one denizen of our marshes on today’s workday. This Great Red Slug (?) was 13 cm long. Nearby, the River Chet was in spate and had overflowed its banks, but water levels were already subsiding.

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

Unfortunately, Dr Tony Leech is unexpectedly unavailable for the previously advertised date. Consequently, our legendary annual Fungus Foray has been postponed to Sunday 29 October. Meet at 1.30 pm at the Church Field, Bergh Apton. Apologies for this change.

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

Our legendary annual Fungus Foray, on and around the nature reserve, will take place at 1.30 pm on Sunday 22 October. Unrivalled Norfolk expert Dr Tony Leech will again unveil the amazing world of mushrooms, toadstools and moulds. Meet at the Church Field, Bergh Apton.

[Norfolk Wildlife Trust @NorfolkWT]

This autumn, your country walk could help us gather important information on three farmland birds 🧑‍🌾🪶

Keep an eye out for grey partridge, yellowhammer & linnet for this seasons spotter survey 👀 👇
https://t.co/PWAfJBGdzX

Barry Madden, Tony Brooks & Chris Gomersall 📸

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

This is a public event – bring your friends and relatives, beginners and experienced mycologists alike. Sharp-eyed, inquisitive children are especially welcome.

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

Our legendary annual Fungus Foray, on and around the nature reserve, will take place at 1.30 pm on Sunday 22 October. Unrivalled Norfolk expert Dr Tony Leech will again unveil the amazing world of mushrooms, toadstools and moulds. Meet at the Church Field, Bergh Apton.

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

For this reason and for the wellbeing of our visiting cows, Wellbeck Marsh remains closed temporarily. We look forward to seeing what the Spring will bring before getting to grips with detailed management. Watch this space!

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

This newly open landscape is a blank canvas for creative ecological restoration. Wood-decomposing fungi & invertebrates clearly will be the first beneficiaries. The peaty ground is still very soft and much of it needs to settle over the winter before paths can be re-established.

[Bergh Apton Conservation Trust @BAConservation]

The BACT AGM this evening with a fascinating talk by @HarryReadWrites, Ecologist at Heveningham Hall Estate and wildlife photographer, speaking about his expeditions to Finland to see Brown Bears and the rewilding projects on the Estate.